**Greetings from Branon Edwards and Jelena Panfilova
from Coldwell Banker in South Florida!

We hope all is well with you and yours. It's been a hectic few months for the
two of us -
we sold our bayfront condo, bought a waterfront house, and spent nearly 2 weeks
researching the oceanfront real estate markets on Mexico's East coast (see
below).
Needless to say, we're still catching up from our trip and the move. This is
our first
newsletter since our adventures began, so it's a little longer than usual.

As we all know, April is tax month here in the United States. With that in
mind, we have
decided to focus this month's newsletter on taxation. How original, right?

IN THIS ISSUE:
- Old IRS Rollover rule eliminated and replaced with easier rule
- Capital Gains taxes on the sale of your primary residence
- Florida Homestead Exemption
- Paying your property taxes early for a discount
- Property Tax Timeline

Next month, we'll focus on 1031 tax deferred exchanges for investment
properties.

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ATTENTION INVESTORS - HOT NEW PROJECTS FROM MIAMI TO MEXICO

TREASURES ON THE BAY from $200,000
We are working on a new bayfront condominium conversion on the Southeast Corner
of
Treasure Island (North Bay Village) with prices from the mid-$200,000s to over
$500,000.
Friends and family sales started today and units are moving very quickly. The
project is so
new that we don't have a web-page for it yet, but will keep you posted. This
pet-friendly
building (no pet restrictions) will feature valet and self-parking, 2 swimming
pools, fitness
center, bayfront clubhouse, and of course, spectacular bay views. Studios,
1-bedroom, 2-
bedroom, and 3-bedroom units available. If you are interested in reserving a
unit in this
exciting project, please CALL US TODAY so we can put you on the VIP list.
mailto:Jelena@...?subject=TREASURES-INTEREST

HARBOUR HOUSE - Bal Harbour Condo Conversion
We are currently taking letters of interest and deposits for this beachfront
condo
conversion in exclusive Bal Harbour. We expect this one to be a quick sell out
with prices
from the $300,000s. Building will take about a year to renovate.
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com/preconstruction/harbourhouse.htm

PARK SUITES AT 50 BISCAYNE - Downtown Bay Views - Turnkey Furnished!
Originally, 50 Biscayne had planned for a boutique condo-hotel from floors 4
through 9
and contracted with the Rockwell Group (of movie star decorator fame) to
completely
finish and furnish these studio and one-bedroom units. The units will be
delivered TURN-
KEY furnished with linens, plasma televisions, and all of the luxurious comforts
you'd
expect from the design geniuses at Rockwell. There are a select number of these
hot
downtown condos left with Direct Biscayne Bay Views from the high $200,000s to
almost
$600,000. Call us today for more information.
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com/preconstruction/50biscayne

SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING PROJECT in South Miami (Old Cutler)
We are expecting information any day now about a new Lennar project in South
Miami near
the Old Cutler area. The project will feature a variety of single family home
model plans
with convenient access to US-1 and the Turnpike. We expect prices to start in
the high
$300,000s. If you're interested, drop us an email and we'll add you to our VIP
list for the
project.
mailto:branon@...?subject=LENNAR-PROJECT-INTEREST

MEXICO BEACHFRONT
Pelican Beach - Cozumel
66 x 164 feet beachfront building lots in Cozumel, Mexico from $231,000 to
$324,000.
New road to be constructed soon, which will have a substantial positive impact
on prices in
the area.

El Caribe North and South - Costa Maya (South of Cancun)
79 x 321 feet beachfront building lots at $302,000 each.
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Ok, since we're going to be talking about taxes, we need to throw in the old
legal
disclaimer that neither of us are attorneys or certified public accountants. As
such, we
cannot give legal or tax advice and always suggest that you contact your own
attorney or
CPA with specific questions about your particular situation.

HOUSE SALE ROLLOVER - Dinosaur replaced by simpler process
Remember the old IRS rule that said if you sold your house and rolled the money
into a
higher priced property within a specific period of time you didn't have to pay
capital gains
taxes on the profits? Well, that rule was eliminated way back in 1997, but we
talk to folks
all the time who still think the rule applies.

The rule was replaced by a new one that allows you NOT to pay capital gains
taxes on the
sale of your primary residence provided you owned the property for at least 2
years and
lived in it for at least 2 of the last 5 years. You can actually make $500,000
in capital
gains if you're married and not pay a cent in tax. If you're single, the amount
is $250,000.

Yes, it's true. Let's say you bought your house 2 years ago for $100,000. Let's
also say
that you have lived in the property as your primary residence for those 2 years.
Let's also
say that the property is now worth $600,000 and you're married.

By IRS rule, you can actually sell the house for $600,000 and NOT pay a penny in
capital
gains taxes on the sale of the house. Amazing? Not really.. but it certainly
makes cashing
out a very attractive option right now. This is particularly attractive for
empty-nesters who
are looking to downsize to a smaller property. By the old rule, you'd have to
buy a
property equal to our more expensive than the previous house you sold. Now, you
simply
sell the house and pocket the gains whether you buy something else or not.

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CURRENT LISTINGS:

FOR RENT: (May short-term special: $3500 for May 3 - 31).
Seasonal/Annual Rental on Hallandale Beach - AVAILABLE starting May 3rd
Immaculately furnished 2-bedroom/2-bath luxury 18th floor penthouse in 2080
South
Ocean Drive on Hallandale Beach with direct Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway
views. Pets
negotiable.
Imagine Egyptian Cotton linens, Cuisinart countertop appliances,
gourment-equipped
kitchen, surround sound DVD, tennis, pool, gym, and valet! Summer rates at $4300
per
month. Winter season at $5500 per month and worth every penny!
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com/rental/hallandale-beach.htm

FOR RENT:
Annual Rental on Hollywood Beach - AVAILABLE NOW
Gorgeous 15th floor 1-bedroom/1-bath oceanfront condominium in The Wave on
Hollywood Beach with direct ocean views. Completely remodeled with new
appliances,
crown moldings, and lots of closet space. Pets are negotiable. $1750/month
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com/rental/wave-hollywood-beach.htm

FOR SALE:
Winston Towers 200 - 11th Floor Corner Unit with Wrap Around Balcony in Sunny
Isles
Beach
Magnificent panoramic intracoastal waterway & ocean views from this beautifully
remodeled 11th floor corner unit w/almost 1900 sqft. Enjoy your meals from your
spacious wrap-around balcony. Renovation includes Italian tile, jacuzzi tub &
updated eat-
in kitchen. Walk to the beach, restaurants & shops. Building features free
shuttle services,
24-hr security, pool/spa, new laundry facilities, bellboy, men/women's gym &
sauna. 1-
year home warranty! Priced to sell quickly at $399,900!

FOR SALE:
$944,000 - huge vacant building lot (0.46-acre) in exclusive Punta Gorda Isles.
Nearly
one-half acre with 50-ft seawall and direct Gulf sailboat access. New concrete
boat dock -
lot cleared and ready to build your 3-car garage pool home with beautiful sunset
views
overlooking a wide basin.
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com/listings/pgi.htm

FOR SALE:
Vacant Building Lots in Ocala, FL. Beautiful single-family homesites in Silver
Springs
Shores, a growing area of Ocala. Lots under $20,000 and rising quickly. Email us
for the
latest lot lists.
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com/listings/ocala.htm
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FLORIDA HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION
More than just saving money...
If your primary residence is in Florida, you should have already applied for
your
Homestead Exemption. The Homestead Exemption gives you a $25,000 discount off
of
the appraised value of your primary residence, which can equate to as much as
$750 per
year in savings on your annual property taxes here in Florida.

Further, having your home classified as your homestead protects your home
from ever being sold to pay off debts from credit cards, judgements, etc.
Of course, tax liens and mortgage liens and resulting foreclosures still
apply.

Requirements for Homestead Exemption:
- Apply by March 1.
- Own the property on January 1.
- Reside in the property on January 1.
- You must be a permanent resident of the State of Florida on January 1.
(no previous residency required)
- You must be a US citizen or have been granted a Permanent Resident Card on
or before January 1.

Other points of interest:
- Widows and widowers receive an additional $500 exemption.
- Disabled veterans with service-related disability can receive up to an
additional $5,000 exemption.
- Disabled persons can actually be TOTALLY exempt from property taxes.
- If you're over 65 and meet certain income requirements, you may also
qualify for total exemption.

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CONGRATULATIONS:
We would like to offer our sincere congratulations to the following customers on
their
recent sales/purchases:

Ferndando and James of Florida for their purchase of a 1-bedroom/1.5-bath
bayfront
condo in Charter Club on Biscayne Bay.

Kimberly and Eugene of Florida for selling their 3-bedroom waterfront ocean
access home
in Hollywood.

Jimmy and Chris of Florida for purchasing a new construction home in PGA Village
in Port
Saint Lucie.

Ann and Arthur of Pennsylvania for purchasing a new construction home in PGA
Village in
Port Saint Lucie.

David and Colleen of Florida for purchasing two 2.5-acre lots in Clewiston.

Paul of Florida for reserving a preconstruction condo at The Mondrian in the
Performing
Arts District.
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PAY YOUR TAXES EARLY FOR A DISCOUNT
Did you know that most counties actually give you a discount if you pay your
taxes before
they're late? In some cases the discounts can be substantial - upwards to 5% of
your total
tax bill if you pay it when it arrives in November. Most tax bills show
different amounts to
pay depending on when you send in payment.

PROPERTY TAX TIMELINE
- August - preliminary tax statements mailed (you have 30-days to dispute the
statement)
- November 1st - tax bills issued
- December 31st - current tax year ends
- January 1st - new tax year begins, property may be reassessed, a lien is
placed against
your property for the November tax bill. This is the earliest you can apply for
a Homestead
Exemption for this tax year.
- March 1st - last day to file for the Homestead Exemption for the current year.
- April 1st - property taxes for previous year become delinquent

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PRECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS:

Mondrian in the Performing Arts District from the $300,000s
Now taking reservations! One bedrooms SOLD OUT!
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com/preconstruction/mondrian.htm

Paramount Beach in Sunny Isles from $980,000
Now taking reservations! Unique oceanfront property featuring ONLY 3 and
4-bedroom
units.
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com/preconstruction/paramountbeach.htm

Paramount Bay in the Performing Arts District from $600,000
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com/preconstruction/paramountbay.htm

NoBe Bay on Biscayne Bay near the Deauville Hotel
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com/preconstruction/nobebay.htm

The Lofts Downtown Resale Update - units available now from $204,000!
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com/preconstruction/downtownlofts.htm
Unit# - Price - Unit Type
1103 - $204,000 - A2
1509 - $210,500 - A1
1703 - $216,000 - A2
1909 - $225,000 - A1
2109 - $230,000 - A1
2108 - $269,000 - A3
UPH6 - $309,000 - A4
2002 - $361,000 - B2
LPH7 - $420,000 - B3

OneMiami resale units also available - please email us for details.

Everglades on the Bay Update
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com/preconstruction/
75% Sold out in the North Tower
100% Sold out in the South Tower.
Completion is projected for October 2007
Resales should begin within the next 4 months or less.

North Tower Opportunities
7th floor Loft - 915 sq ft - $428,000 - North View
37th floor Studio 812 sq ft - $420,000 - South Views
2/2+Den - 1627 sq ft - $770,000 - South View
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Tune in next month when we discuss 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges. In the mean
time,
you can visit our website for more information about 1031's: http://
www.investfloridarealty.com/1031exchange.htm

Of course, if you have any questions, you can always pick up the phone or send
us a quick
email, and we'll be happy to get back to you right away.

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THINKING ABOUT BUYING OR SELLING REAL ESTATE IN FLORIDA?

Imagine getting a WRITTEN GUARANTEE from your real estate agent.
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com/guarantee.htm

We consider referrals to be the most sincere compliment our customers can give
us.
Referrals are the heart of our business - thank you!
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As always, thank you for the opportunity to earn your business. We look forward
to
hearing from you again soon. If we can ever be of service, please don't
hesitate to contact
us at your convenience.

All the best,
--
--Branon A. Edwards, Licensed Florida Realtor®, ePRO
--Jelena Panfilova, Licensed Florida Realtor®

Branon Direct: 786-417-4910
mailto:Branon@...

Jelena Direct: 786-417-4911
mailto:Jelena@...

Our Private Fax: 786-524-5747

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
http://www.InvestFloridaRealty.com

---- Office Information ----

Coldwell Banker® Residential Real Estate, Inc.
328 Crandon Blvd, Suite 127
Key Biscayne, FL 33149 USA

Is Your House a TALKING HOUSE?
http://www.MiamiTalkingHouse.com

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